Amex Platinum Travel Credit

[Flyerwin]

I’ve been an Amex Platinum Charge Card member for many years and never once used this.

Thinking of using it at least once - any tips on how to make use of the travel credit?

 

[sudoer]

Thinking of using it at least once - any tips on how to make use of the travel credit?

Book anything prepaid through Amex Travel to use the credit.

IAP fares are a good use as they're cheaper than publicly available fares. Hotels via THC/FHR are also a good option if you can prepay.

Be wary of domestic QF flights as Amex often can't access the cheapest fares available via the QF website.

Non THC/FHR hotels can have some good deals but you can't access your hotel status benefits with these rates and won't earn points/nights.

These are all just tips on how to extract the most value though. Using it in any way is invariably better than not using it at all.

 

[Valuecreator]

Book anything prepaid through Amex Travel to use the credit.

IAP fares are a good use as they're cheaper than publicly available fares. Hotels via THC/FHR are also a good option if you can prepay.

Be wary of domestic QF flights as Amex often can't access the cheapest fares available via the QF website.

Non THC/FHR hotels can have some good deals but you can't access your hotel status benefits with these rates and won't earn points/nights.

These are all just tips on how to extract the most value though. Using it in any way is invariably better than not using it at all.

Hi Sudoer, what are the IAP fares you mentioned and how does one access them? Are they domestic or international fares?
In that same sentence, what do the initials THC/FHR refer to?

 

[knagelli]

Hi Sudoer, what are the IAP fares you mentioned and how does one access them? Are they domestic or international fares?
In that same sentence, what do the initials THC/FHR refer to?

IAP ( International Airline Program) fares are competitive and you can access them via Amex travel website when you login to your platinum charge card account online. Hope this helps.

 

[Valuecreator]

IAP ( International Airline Program) fares are competitive and you can access them via Amex travel website when you login to your platinum charge card account online. Hope this helps.

Thanks knagelli, really appreciate your quick fire response.

 

[Infrequent traveller]

Hi Sudoer, what are the IAP fares you mentioned and how does one access them? Are they domestic or international fares?
In that same sentence, what do the initials THC/FHR refer to?

I know the query is addressed to @sudoer but I just jumped in to save his time. Hope @sudoer wouldn't mind.

THC stands for The Hotel Collection, which is an exclusive hotel booking option on selected hotels for Platinum Charge/Centurion and Reserve Credit Cards members (not sure if this has been extended to other "higher end" Amex credit cards. For bookings of a minimum 2 nights and comes with various benefits like US$100 food/property credits per stay/booking, possible room upgrade (subject to availability), etc. but NO breakfasts included. Normally, your hotel membership benefits would be recognised (though unlikely double dip on room upgrade, etc.)

FHR stands for Fine Hotels and Resorts. A booking option exclusive for Platinum/Centurion Charge Cardmembers. Can book a single night on hotels in the program. US$100 food/property credits per stay/booking, usual status benefits like room upgrade (when available), guaranteed late check-out until 4pm, etc. Recognition of hotel membership for loyalty bonus (points and status credits/nights) is quite pertinent.

 

[sudoer]

Hope @sudoer wouldn't mind.

Not at all!

 

[SeaWolf]

Hi Sudoer, what are the IAP fares you mentioned and how does one access them? Are they domestic or international fares?

When you do the search you'll know it's an IAP fare because it will have a dark blue banner across the top in the results. Here's an example.

 

[Valuecreator]

I know the query is addressed to @sudoer but I just jumped in to save his time. Hope @sudoer wouldn't mind.

THC stands for The Hotel Collection, which is an exclusive hotel booking option on selected hotels for Platinum Charge/Centurion and Reserve Credit Cards members (not sure if this has been extended to other "higher end" Amex credit cards. For bookings of a minimum 2 nights and comes with various benefits like US$100 food/property credits per stay/booking, possible room upgrade (subject to availability), etc. but NO breakfasts included. Normally, your hotel membership benefits would be recognised (though unlikely double dip on room upgrade, etc.)

FHR stands for Fine Hotels and Resorts. A booking option exclusive for Platinum/Centurion Charge Cardmembers. Can book a single night on hotels in the program. US$100 food/property credits per stay/booking, usual status benefits like room upgrade (when available), guaranteed late check-out until 4pm, etc. Recognition of hotel membership for loyalty bonus (points and status credits/nights) is quite pertinent.

Thank you infrequent traveller for your extensive explanation. It's been some years since I took advantage of the Amex Plat hotel options and completely overlooked the meaning behind the abbreviations. I was, as they say, asleep at the wheel.
I think I still have some of the great visual, annual brochures Amex published for the various hotel groups hidden away somewhere in my 'hoarder's cupboards' They were very glossy publications with a wealth of great photos and detailed hotel info.
I booked Fine Hotels and Resorts on a number of occasions while travelling in the US & Europe. and the late checkout was a benefit I always sought to include.

 

[Valuecreator]

When you do the search you'll know it's an IAP fare because it will have a dark blue banner across the top in the results. Here's an example.
View attachment 424634

Thanks Sea Wolf for the example. Love the nom de plume.
As mentioned in an earlier message I was asleep at the wheel. My overseas travel has reduced in recent years but the embers are now being stoked and fanned. The IAP and Companion Fare are examples to be revisited.